The Prefecture of Heraklionlies between Lassithi
and Rethimnon. The land
follows the pattern of the rest of Crete, mountains - bare in places, filled
with cypress and oak trees elsewhere - plains, the most important one being that
of Messara, fields covered with fruit trees of all varieties, sandy beaches and
beautiful hidden coves. The terrain makes for interesting geographic formations,
such as the cave of Ilithias.

The rule of the Venetians and Turks is also evident here in Heraklion, with
the Loggia, the Fortress as well as numerous castles and Moslem Temples
throughout the area.

The Prefecture is also home to unique samples of ecclesiastic architecture
and the monasteries of Vrontissio and Varsamonero as well as the church of Agios
Titos. Not to be missed is also the grave of famous Greek author Nikos
Kazantzakis on the Venetian Wall surrounding the old city of Heraklion.